Lisa Walker, South Australia’s Queen Of Sprints Commands Respect

As a variety of drivers try to be crowned King of Australia, there is only one undisputed Queen.

Dec 30, 2017 by Dan Beaver

Lisa Walker, South Australia’s Queen Of Sprints Commands Respect

Known as South Australia’s Queen of Sprint Cars, Lisa Walker has started her second year with Wayne Rowett Racing in the No. 4. Saturday night, Walker will compete against the Australians and Americans entered in the World Series of Sprintcars [WSS] Round 4 at Avalon Speedway in Lara, Victoria.

Walker started in Formula 500s and filling the seat at Wayne Rowett Racing [WRR] has been her first parlay into Sprint Car racing.

“I came from racing a Formula 500 (micro sprint) so was obviously a pretty big transition,” Walker told FloRacing as she prepared for battle. “But the guys [at WRR] have been great and made it an awesome experience so far.”

Walker is the only female entered in the WSS this year—but in the make-up of most events Down Under, this isn’t an unusual place to be. She has grown up racing against mostly male dominated fields her entire life and has learned that if she gives each driver the right level of respect, for the most part she’ll receive it back.

“I don't find it too bad,” Walker said about being one of the few females. “I grew up racing against the guys. Don't play on it and it's not an issue.”

Walker made the feature in the first round at Murray Bridge (South Australia) Speedway after advancing through the B-Main to start at the tail of the A.

“[The] first two nights we ran well on the slick track,” Walker said. “First night, we ran from 13th in the B to take the last transfer spot to the A. [I] Started 20th was up to 12th when the brakes failed resulting in DNF. Struggled a bit at Borderline, so looking forward a fresh start at Avalon”.

Walker suffered at Borderline Speedway in Mount Gambier, South Australia, trying to adjust to a dry track after excelling on the slick surface of Murray Bridge. Passing was at a premium at Borderline, so only a few drivers were able to advance. When the series heads to Avalon tonight, she’ll be back on familiar ground at a track she’s raced twice so far and where she recorded a top-10 earlier this month.

With the competition level during the WSS, Walker aims to make the A-Main every night she has the chance, in order to prove herself and make her home country proud.

“My goal is to gain experience racing with the best cars in the country,” Walker added. “If we can make A-Main we have had a great night.”

As the US drivers try to show off against the native Australians, Walker and her local competitors are happy to see local boys like Kerry Madsen and James McFadden remind the invaders who’s home they’re in.

“It's great to have them here; the fans definitely love it.” Walker said. “It's good to see the local Aussies giving them a run for their money also.”

Now that Walker has worked the ‘Gremlins’ out of her engine she’ll be one to watch at Avalon as the WSS enters its fourth round Saturday December 30.

By Victoria Beaver